Arts & Culture

Writers Craig Lancaster and Elisa Lorello started their careers on similar paths: both self-published their first novels, which went on to become incredible hits.

The couple met at an industry party in 2011 and became fast friends. Their friendship grew into a long-distance relationship, with both parties crisscrossing the nation—Craig visiting New York, Elisa visiting Montana—until the couple was married and Elisa moved west to join Craig in Billings.

On this January morning in Billings, darkness hung heavy in the snowy coldness. But on 17th Street West in Billings, light emerged through the windows of Caramel Cookie Waffles. At 5:00 a.m., Jan Boogman began the day making the caramel cookie stroopwafels he and his wife, Judy have been selling for the last 30 years.

Frank Warren—often referred to as the most trusted stranger in America—has received more than a million secrets in the mail since 2004, when he started PostSecret, a community art project where people anonymously mail him their secrets on a postcard. At times hilarious and heartbreaking, the secrets reflect complex issues of intimacy, stigma, meaning, humor, and desire.

Thousands of people gathered at events across Montana Saturday to participate in this year’s Women’s March. Each event had its own organizers and theme.

In Billings, the organizers issued this call to action, run for something. State Senator Jen Gross, one of the organizers, says that could be a run for elected office, run to the polls, or to run to a community organization and volunteer.

A Flying Burger. A Bayou Wrap. Chicken Fried Steak. These good eats can be found in Billings for under $10. At King’s Hat, Muzzle Loader Café, and Rockets Gourmet Wraps and Sodas, food can be had for less than one Hamilton bill or ten Washingtons. Like these recognizable and time-honored leaders on the face of our dollar bills, the three eateries are dining establishments in Montana’s Trailhead’s foodscape. King’s Hat has been in the Billings for over 70 years while the Muzzle Loader Cafe for more than 60, and Rockets Gourmet Wraps and Sodas for close to two decades.